Introduction:

Pericarditis, an infection of the sac enclosing the heart, is the cause of Dressler syndrome. It’s thought to happen as a result of the body’s immune system reacting to injury to cardiac tissue or injury to the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart. An acute incident, surgery, or a heart stroke can all harm. Chest pain is one of the symptoms, and it can feel like a heart attack.

Dressler syndrome is sometimes referred to as post-pericardiotomy syndrome, post-pericardial stroke syndrome, post-traumatic pericarditis, or post-cardiac injury syndrome. Pericarditis is split between “acute” and “chronic” versions based on how long it lasts and when it starts. More frequently than chronic pericarditis, acute pericarditis can result from immunologic disorders, infections, or even a cardiac event (myocardial infarction), as in Dressler’s syndrome. Constrictive pericarditis is a less frequent form of chronic pericarditis.

Causes:

According to experts, the immune system’s reaction to heart injury is what leads to Dressler syndrome. When a tissue is damaged, the body responds by directing immunological proteins and cells to sweep up and restore the damage. The pericardium can occasionally become inflamed as a result of this reaction.

After some heart operations or procedures, Dressler syndrome may develop. Pleural effusion is a collection of fluid in the connective tissues surrounding the lungs that may be brought on by the immune system activation that causes Dressler syndrome. Rarely, major complications from Dressler syndrome can include:

• Heart blockage. Pericardial effusion, often known as fluid accumulation in the sac, can result from pericardial inflammation. The heart may experience pressure from the fluid, which would make it work more difficult and less efficiently to pump blood..
• Pericarditis with constriction. Inflammation that is ongoing or recurrent can cause the pericardium to thicken or scar. The scarring could reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood.

Symptoms:

• Weight of the pericardium.
• Low-grade fever with a dry cough.
• Breathlessness.
• Palpitation.
• The patient might be restrained and dyspneic.
• Low amount, rapid rhythm, and “Pulsus paradoxus” are displayed by pulse.
• There may be cyanosis.
• Edoema may be present, with engorged, non-pulsatile neck veins.
• Low blood pressure.

Diagnosis:

A stethoscope is used by a medical expert to hear the patient’s heart during a thorough physical examination. When the pericardium gets infected or when fluid gathers around the heart, a sound described as a pericardial scrape may be heard. The tests listed below can help diagnose Dressler syndrome:

• Thorough blood count. Those who have Dressler syndrome typically have high white blood cell levels.
• To measure inflammation through blood testing. Dressler syndrome-related inflammation can be indicated by the elevated sedimentation rate of erythrocytes and the presence of C-reactive protein levels.
• Through wires affixed to the skin, this rapid, painless examination monitors electrical signals in the heart. Particular modifications in the electrical impulses can be used to detect pressure on the heart. However, these modifications may persist following heart surgery, necessitating the use of other test results to identify Dressler syndrome.
• A chest X-ray. A chest X-ray can help identify fluid surrounding the heart or lungs. It may also help rule out further causes of the fluid, like pneumonia.
• Heart MRI.

Homeopathic Treatment:

Pain management and inflammation reduction are the main targets of medical treatment for Dressler syndrome. Medication and, if difficulties arise, surgery, may be used in the course of treatment. Homeopaths consider a person’s fundamental type, which comprises their bodily, emotional, and mental makeup, before prescribing a cure. When choosing the best course of action for each patient, an expert homeopath considers all of these aspects. Dressler syndrome complications may necessitate more invasive therapies, such as:

• Removing extra fluids. A procedure called pericardiocentesis, in which a needle or tiny tube (catheter) is used to remove the extra fluid may be used as a treatment for cardiac tamponade. A local anesthetic is typically used during the surgery.
• The pericardium’s removal. Surgery to remove the pericardium (pericardiectomy) may be used as a treatment for constrictive pericarditis.

For the treatment of Dressler syndrome, some homeopathic remedies, such as

• Aconite nepellus.
• Kalmia.
• Strophanthus.
• Cactus g.
• Spigelia.
• Crataegus.

Precautions:

Dressler’s syndrome cannot be completely avoided. However, following your treatment plan, taking colchicine, avoiding corticosteroids, and experiencing pericarditis may lessen the chance of it returning. Rest and stay out of any strenuous physical activities until you are fully recovered. If you have a condition called constrictive Dressler’s syndrome, your doctor might advise a low-salt diet.

Avoid alcohol, sweets, and saturated fats because these can cause inflammation and impair your immune system. Herbs can be used to strengthen and tone the body’s systems. You should collaborate with your healthcare professional to diagnose your issue before beginning therapy, as with any therapy. Herbs can be taken as tinctures (alcohol extracts), glycerites (glycerine compounds), or dry formulations (such as pills, powders, and teas).